Fiberglass frames make the strongest, toughest, and most durable windows and doors available
Low Thermal Expansion & Contraction
Thermal Expansion/Contraction is bad for windows and is what couases them to warp in the heat and cold. PVC (Vinyl) framing warps over 8 times more than our pultruded fiberglass framing. Moreover, our fiberglass framing moves at a rate that is almost identical to the sealed glass unit it contains.
Superior Strength
Our fiberglass framing is over 8 times stronger than similar PVC framing. This means that we can build much larger, more stable windows and doors without fear of them sagging over time.
Insulated Frames
Unlike the PVC (vinyl plastic) frame on the right, our fiberglass frames are fully insulated on the inside. This is what males them so warm and helps prevent condensation.
Key Benefits
1
Eliminates Problems Due to Expansion & Contraction
• The thermal expansion/contraction of vinyl is over 8 times that of fiberglass and window glass.
• Additionally, the greater strength of a fiberglass frame allows larger window walls to be built without resorting to aluminum framed windows (and their inherent poor thermal performance).
A reinforced 4’ vinyl profile will warp out of plane in excess of a 1/2 inch at an outdoor temperature of -40o F. An identically sized and unreinforced fiberglass profile will move less than 1/16 inch over this same temperature change
• More importantly, the thermal movement of the fiberglass window frame is virtually identical to that of the glass window panes. This makes all the difference because it means that the fiberglass frame and insulated glass will expand and contract as a single, homogenous unit. By contrast a vinyl-framed window becomes laden with massive internal stresses due to the conflicting thermal expansion/contraction characteristics of its various components (vinyl frame and sash, necessary steel reinforcement, and window glass).
• In fact, the main reason that vinyl windows cannot be painted and require continual readjustment is due to the extreme expansion/contraction cycles of the material.
2
Over 8 times stronger than PVC window frames
• Fiberglass has immense strength; over 8 times that of vinyl. This means that larger windows or window assemblies can be constructed; all without the use of any structural support or internal steel reinforcement. This allows us to fill our frames with insulation further improving the R-Value.
• Additionally, the greater strength of a fiberglass frame allows larger window walls to be spec’d without resorting to aluminum framed windows (and their inherent poor thermal performance).
3
Easily Paintable (but not necessary)
• Fiberglass windows, unlike vinyl, can be easily painted with ordinary paints during fabrication or on site. They can repainted at any time in the future making remodels simple.
4
Superior Thermal Performance
• Fiberglass frames will result in a window with a greater R-Value than a comparable vinyl, wood, or aluminum framed window; a worthwhile consideration given the ever increasing fuel and heating costs.
• Additionally, the greater strength of a fiberglass frame allows larger window walls to be spec’d without resorting to aluminum framed windows (and their inherent poor thermal performance).
• The interior of our fiberglass frames are filled with insulation further improving the thermal performance of the window frame. Most vinyl and wood window frames are uninsulated and/or internally reinforced with heat-draining steel.
• Over time a high-quality, thermally efficient window is always shown to be a cost-effective investment.
5
Environmentally Friendly
• Fiberglass windows and doors feature the lowest embodied energy of all common frame materials and are widely recognized as the most environmentally friendly window frame.
• Additionally, fiberglass provides the longest life expectancy of all window materials which allows us to build windows that will last the life of your home or building.
6
Maintainable Construction
• The joints of our fiberglass windows and doors are mechanically fastened together. This means that they can be completely disasembled and rebuilt if necessary.
• In contrast, a PVC window is considered disposable since the joints are formed by melting the plastic together
6
Unsurpassed Longevity
•Unlike wood framing, our fiberglass frames will never mildew, mold, rot, corrode, or need continual refinishing.
• Fiberglass is used in boats and bridge structures which face punishing loads and stresses as well as corrosive materials such as salt water. Pultruded fiberglass window frames provide superior life and durability in corrosive/coastal environments.